After dealing with a season-ending injury in her first year with the Indiana Fever, Sophie Cunningham has returned in her second season and become an crucial part of Indiana’s success. The veteran guard has thrived alongside Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, helping the Fever become the best offensive team in the WNBA.
Cunningham is averaging 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 38 games while shooting 47.6% from the field and 44.1% from 3-point range. Her 44.1% mark ranks fourth in the WNBA, behind only Mitchell, New York Liberty’s Leonie Fiebich and Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, making Cunningham one of the league’s most efficient shooters. She has also made 63 3-pointers in total this season.
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Cunningham is making a strong case for the league’s Sixth Player of the Year award. On Thursday, the Fever made their feelings about her performance this season clear.
“She gives us the juice when she comes in off the bench.” 🧃 “Sophie Cunningham for 6th Player of the Year 🔥,” the team posted, making its case for Cunningham to receive the award.
It’s hard to argue against the Fever’s bid. Cunningham’s season-high is 24 points, which she recorded against the Toronto Tempo on June 16 while going 6-for-7 from 3-point range, matching her career high for made 3-pointers. She later scored 20 points and again made six 3-pointers in Indiana’s 109-75 victory over the Las Vegas Aces.
Cunningham has also delivered in crucial moments. Against Connecticut earlier this season, she scored 11 points in the final two minutes, including three 3-pointers, to help Indiana erase a late threat and secure an 85-75 victory.
Those contributions have come during a record-setting season for Indiana. The Fever are 25-14 and fifth in the WNBA standings, having already secured a franchise-record 25th win with five games remaining. Cunningham has played a meaningful role in getting Indiana there, providing another reliable scoring option around its core.
The Fever will look to continue that success Friday when they host the Sun. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ION.
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